4/01/2008

VietnamSouthern provinces this yearare expected to be hit with UNUSUAL rains, storms and big floods, according to weather officials. The rainy season this year will face ABNORMAL CHANGES as a result of La Nina and El Nino meteorological phenomena. The rainy season is forecast to come 10 days earlier than the last few years, beginning in early May. The number of storms from the East Sea to coastal Vietnam could increase, especially in the southeast and Mekong River Delta provinces. In the southeastern provinces, the water level of Dong Nai, Sai Gon and Be rivers are forecast to rise rapidly between July and September, triggering submersion in some surrounding areas. The heavy rains will coincide with strong sea tides, which could lead to increased flooding. In the Mekong River Delta, floods are expected to occur from July to September as the river water will rise to the third warning level.